NURSE DUCKED IN A BATH.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 July 1919, Page 9

NURSE DUCKED IN A BATH.

SIX COLLEAGUES CHARGED WITH ASSAULT. Sir probationary nurses —Emily Cox, Florence Couchman, Mabel Boolinian, Hilda Lawrence, Mary Martin, and Esther Piereey—were summoned atTower Bridge Police Court. London, charged with assaulting Emily Russell, another nurse at Berinondsev Infirmary. Mr. Percy Robinson, who defended asked Miss Russell to accept the sincere apology of tho defendants for what Iwd taken place. . Mr. Gill, the magistrate: A very handsome apology has been made. Is Miss Russell satisfied with that? Miss Russell said she was not. She said that on the morning of April 21), when «!•« was in bed, the six nurses j rushed into her bedroom, seized her, and carried her into the bathroom. The j Oath had been prepared with tepid | water, and they put her into it. They held her under th£ water for some time. Cold water was poured over her head, and when the six went she had to leave her dressing-gown and nightdress in the bath and go to her own room for a towel. The six nurses had acknowledged since that their act was not a joke, but was done malevolently. Mr Percy Robinson: For any indigaity you may have suffered I' tako the second opportunity of expressing their regret.. This matter has been investigater by the guardians?—' Miss Russell; Yes.

And you are not satisfied with their decision?— No.

It.takes one back to one's schooldays? l'ou received a ducking?—lt was insult. It was disgusting treatment. Boys take a less serious view of it. Has your health suffered? —I have had a severe cold, nothing more.

Mr. Topham, who appeared for the Bermondsey Guardians, said the girls had been reprimanded by a committee, and if convicted they would be discharged from the infirmary. The result would be that they could never be nurses in a Poor Law Institution, and Hie conviction would preclude any application for a situation in' any hospital. Mr. Gill (to Miss Russell): You have had a good deal to complain. Are you now prepared to accept tho apology?— No, sir. Mr. Gill decided that Cox might merely have been an onlooker, and dismissed the summons against her. The other summonses were adjourned.